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Hillwalking Good Practice

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Good Practice Guide for Hill Walkers and Climbers

Preparation….

Ø  Be properly equipped and fit for the activity concerned
Ø  Have the skills to cope with the chosen route
Ø  Have an up-to–date weather forecast and know the time of dusk
Ø  Be aware of the potential hazards and know what to do if something goes wrong
Ø  Accept the risk that is inherent in hillwalking and climbing and take responsibility for your own safety
Ø  For environmental and safety reasons keep group numbers small. Ideally group size should be less than 10 people and should not exceed 15
Ø  Avoid taking dogs on the hills at any time

Parking and access…

Ø  Keep the number of cars used to the minimum, consider hiring a bus for group outings
Ø  Park safely, with particular regard to allowing for entry to property.  Many access problems have arisen from inconsiderate parking by recreational visitors. Remember that farmers work at weekends and that farm machinery and the emergency services may need a wide space to turn into a field or gateway.
Ø  All land is owned by somebody and you use that land with the goodwill of the owner not as a legal right
Ø  Avoid aggravating known problems, use agreed routes in these areas.
Ø  Be friendly and courteous when you meet landowners and local residents.
Ø  Respect private property and do not interfere with machinery crops or animals
Ø  Make no unnecessary noise especially when passing near houses
Ø  Be careful not to damage fences, walls or hedges; these are livestock boundaries and expensive to repair.
Ø  Use stiles and gates where they exist, leave gates as you find them (open or closed)

Leaders of groups should…

Ø  Be competent to lead groups and be appropriately equipped to ensure the safety of the group
Ø  Be trained in first aid and carry a small first aid kit
Ø  Know the route and the ability of the group members and ensure that they are all properly equipped
Ø  Be prepared to alter the route to meet the needs and interests of the group and the weather conditions
Ø  Show a good example to the group with regard to conservation issues and relations with landowners
Ø  Ensure everybody in the group knows what to do, what not to do and why
Ø  Encourage group members to develop their walking and climbing skills

Litter and waste in the mountain environment…

Apart from being unsightly human introduced waste material is a hazard to wildlife and the fragile upland habitats they depend upon.
Ø  Enjoy your visit but leave no trace of it – leave no litter behind even biodegradable items like banana skins and teabags take years to disappear
Ø  Help protect our hills and crags –pick up litter when you see it (Be cautious when handling waste)
Ø  Take care not to cause any pollution. Human waste should be buried at least 30m away from watercourses and walking tracks; take home or carefully burn used toilet paper and hygiene products
Ø  For more information on this topic please read the –Where to go in the outdoors? Leaflet
Ø  Consider those who will visit after you, it may well be you!

Environmental considerations for those walking in upland areas….

Ø  Have respect for all natural things and take care not to disturb plants, birds and animals
Ø  Walk on rock, stones, dry grass or the most durable surface available, rather than on soft ground: In heavily used areas walk single file in the middle of the path, even if it’s wet and muddy (wearing gaiters will help to keep your feet dry) This helps reduce soil erosion and minimises path widening. In more remote areas, disperse use to prevent the creation of new tracks and campsites and try to avoid places where impacts are just beginning to show.
Ø  Avoid taking short cuts on zig-zag paths as this creates new lines for run-off of water and increases erosion
Ø  Leave cairns as they are; old cairns could have archaeological value. New ones detract from the wild character of the hills and can mislead less experienced walkers.

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